VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Skill games across the state are powered down, but will they stay that way?
Two bills are going through Virginia's General Assembly that could overturn the ban and add regulations to what lawmakers are calling "gray machines." One bill is filed in the Senate, the other is filed in the House of Delegates.
Amid discussions to bring skill games back, several advertisements are being shown to Virginians with varying claims.
13News Now breaks down some of those claims
Do skill-based games bring more crime to an area?
One advertisement filed by Virginians Against Neighborhood Slots ran an advertisement that said in part, "Convenience Store slots, the so-called gray machines bring crime and violence to vulnerable Virginia communities. Enough is Enough."
The advertisement also pointed to specific incidents that mentioned gray machines as the cause of crimes. This includes a robbery in Alexandria and a triple shooting at a convenience store in Richmond.
SOURCE:
THE ANSWER:
WHAT WE FOUND:
13News Now verified there is an overall increase in reported crimes, however, this information alone can be a bit misleading.
According to a 2022 study from the nonpartisan Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC): "Commonwealth’s attorneys from multiple localities reported that crimes such as assault and robbery have increased at establishments with gray machines.”
In 2019, JLARC also recommended "that the General Assembly consider regulating gray machines to ensure gaming integrity, protection to consumers, and protection to businesses."
This means JLARC recommended regulating the gray machine business, rather than advocating for an outright ban.
The increase in the number of crimes supposedly caused by skill games is also refuted by many local business leaders who said they have not seen any increase in crimes.
"Never, we have never, not once seen any problems," said Mike Wilson, the owner of Mike's Break Room in Virginia Beach. "It's these greedy casinos who are trying to keep all of the profits for themselves that are really behind this."
Are casinos supporting ads against gray machines?
SOURCES:
- Virginians Against Neighborhood Slots
- Virginia Merchants and Amusement Coalition
THE ANSWER:
WHAT WE FOUND:
13News Now verified, yes, several casinos are supporting measures against bringing skill games back into Virginia.
On Virginians Against Neighborhood Slots' website, several big casino names like Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Caesars Virginia, and Headwaters Resort and Casino are all listed as "Coalition Members."
This alliance is pointed out in another advertisement filed by the Virginia Merchants and Amusement Coalition.
"The big lobbyists from out-of-state casinos are working overtime in Richmond to shut these businesses down. Small businesses rely on these games to keep their doors open," said Wilson, who said he speaks on behalf of several Hampton Roads businesses when he said they are not sure they will survive until the end of the year.
"I've already cut hours, employees, pay... I have nothing left to cut. If in the next few months these games don't come back on, it's 100% I will be closing," said Wilson.
Bottom Line:
13News Now has verified that both advertisements have factual elements.
Each advertisement is simply highlighting the number and facts that support its own message to Virginia residents.
13News Now will continue to watch both bills as they seem to progress through the General Assembly.